- Feel the spirit of summer
- Aomori Nebuta
Festival - Tohoku is a region where traditional customs and Japanese culture thrive even today. The earnest and hardy people of Tohoku have preserved the enduring wisdom and teachings of their ancestors. In summer, the traditional Tohoku festival season reaches its peak, attracting visitors from across the country. One of the most exciting festivals is the Aomori Nebuta Festival, held every August in Aomori, located at the northern tip of Honshu. This festival is one of the three great festivals of Tohoku, and was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980. Every year, the Aomori Nebuta Festival attracts around 2.5 million visitors from across Japan and around the world, infusing the summer nights of Aomori with vibrant colors.
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- A natural phenomenon that
appears in a lake - Hachimantai
Dragon Eye - The Hachimantai Dragon Eye is a mysterious sight caused by a natural phenomenon of Kagami-Numa Lake, located near the summit of Mt. Hachimantai from late May to early June. The snow falls and piles up over the lake during winter. When the spring comes and it starts to thaw, the snow in the middle creates a ring. Then the sunlight and the color of the sky shines on it, creating the Dragon Eye. Near Kagami-Numa Lake is the emerald-green Megane-Numa Lake, which has recently been dubbed the “Tears of Dragon” and is popular among tourists along with the Dragon Eye. The area around Kagami-Numa Lake, where you can easily take a stroll while straddling the border between prefectures, has many craters created by steam explosions, and you can see many swamps such as the Hachiman-Numa Lake and the Gama-Numa Lake, whose water accumulates in these craters. The view from the observatory is also recommended. Be sure to enjoy the vast panorama of nature when you visit.
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- Crater-lake changes hues
depending on the sunlight - Okama Crater
of Zao - Located on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, the Zao Mountain Range has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. Okama Crater is a crater-lake surrounded by three mountains (Kattadake, Kumanodake and Goshikidake) and, along with its frost-covered trees, is an iconic image of the Zao Mountains. Nicknamed the “Cauldron” because of its appearance, Okama Crater is also known locally as “Goshikinuma” (the five-coloured pond) thanks to the changing hues of the water from dark green to blue according to the sunlight. The colours of the crater-lake also fascinate visitors as they change depending on the angle of view. The lake is a kilometre in circumference, 325m in diameter, and has a depth of 27.6m. There is no life in the lake due to strong acidity of the water.
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- This classic hot spring town
is full of nostalgia - Ginzan Onsen
- Travel back in time to classical Japan in Ginzan Onsen! The town is home to wooden hot spring inns lining each side of the Ginzan River and resonates with nostalgic beauty when illuminated at night by gas street lamps. The view reminds visitors of scenes from the famous film “Sprinted Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. Before that the town was used as a location of NHK’s popular TV drama series “Oshin”, a monumental hit of 1983. The night view of the town blanketed in snow beneath the warm streetlights is particularly photogenic during winter.
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- Feel the spirit of the old
townspeople - Ouchi-juku
- Ouchi-juku is a former post town established around the 17th century and also registered as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings by the Japanese government. The streets lined with thatch-roofed houses are reminiscent of the Edo period (1603-1867), and displays showing the details of life in those times down to the utensils and hearths help visitors imagine what life was like during its heyday.
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- Discover the 400-year
history of Sado - The Sado Gold Mine
- The Sado Gold Mine was the largest gold and silver mine in Japan. It has a 400-year heritage spanning economic ups and downs from its opening in 1601 to its closure in 1989. The industrial remains of the gold mine including tunnels and mining infrastructure are designated both as a national treasure and as part of Japan’s Heritage of Industrial Modernisation. The site is a nominated candidate to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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- A learning tour about beach life
- Michinoku
Coastal Trail - The tour starts at Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe-City, the North entrance of Michinoku Coastal Trail. You will have a nice walk on the Tanesashi shoreline with various and gorgeous scenes, enjoy from ups-and-downs sunken rocks reef to the white sandy beach with green pine trees, and challenge climbing the Hashikamidake with the highest altitude (740m) in the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, Hakkoda, and Hachinohe city-view with the background of beautiful rhododendron are pleasant in June.
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- Walking across clear streams
- Shirakami River
Trekking - Walking through the pristine waters that flow from the expansive beech forest in the Shirakami Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage Site, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Here, you are unlikely to encounter other people—but you may come across birds, fish, wild animals, and the remains of a forest railroad from long ago. You will be accompanied by a guide, so there is nothing to fear even if you are a first-time river walker. After meeting up at the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center (Fujisato-kan), we will move to the location in a vehicle. The river is crystal-clear and transparent to the bottom. You can swim in it if it is warm out. We will have lunch (included in the tour price) on the banks of the river. Enjoy a full day surrounded by untouched nature with your entire body.
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- Canoe trip to the miraculous
submerged forest - Submerged Forest
Canoe Tour - Dummy copy.....The complex and beautiful coastal landscape formed by the separation from the continent in ancient times. The unique culture that have been developed due to the continental exchange. The delicacies of the sea that can only be seen around the coastal fishing base.
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- 7 Famous spots to enjoy the
Japanese Tradition - Takada Castle
Site Park - Takada Castle Site Park was built on the site of the former Takada Castle, which was the residence of Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo shogunate. Covering a large area of approximately 50 hectares, it is one of the largest city parks in Japan. Attractions within the park include a restored three-story turret, cultural and sports facilities, and a promenade around the outer moat.
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- The spectacular autumn leaves
- Tohoku and Niigata
- From the end of September to November, the leaves of deciduous broadleaf trees change color, bathing the mountains and towns of the valleys in a beautiful sea of red, yellow, and orange. Autumn leaves can be seen all over the world, but there is a reason why the autumn leaves in Japan are said to be particularly beautiful.
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- Experience the breathtaking
winter scenery - Niigata-Tohoku Area
- Japan is a country where you can see beautiful natural landscapes throughout the four seasons. Especially in winter, various regions in Tohoku and Niigata are adorned with majestic natural beauty, as they are covered in a pure white veil of snow. In addition to the accumulating snow, the artistry of snow and ice, nurtured by the harsh cold and unique natural conditions, also adds a special touch to the winter scenery.
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WONDER AROUNDTOHOKU
Guiding your trip to new adventures in Japan
Take to the slopes and roam the waterways
in Japan's rugged northeast
In the far northeast of Japan lies an epic wilderness where volcanic mountains,
ancient forests and breathtaking seascapes combine with rich cultural traditions immersed in folklore.
Tohoku is wild, rugged and filled with adventure.
In winter, its slopes are entrenched by snow, providing thrill-seeking skiers with world-renowned runs.
Yet, spring and summer transform the landscape into a tranquil wonderland punctuated by transparent streams and calm, island-dotted seas.
Nature
Explore Tohoku's majestic waterways and coastal treasures
Vast and relatively untouched, Tohoku is home to unforgettable natural wonders, and some of the best are experienced from the water's edge. Trek through crystal clear streams and rivers, follow snaking coastal paths to unique settlements like Hirono Town - which offers seasonal seafood like sea urchin and abalone - and hike above Matsushima Bay, where over 260 islands fan out below.
Culture
Undiluted Japanese culture in abundance
Tohoku is steeped in tradition and culture. Here, you'll find some of the most authentic cultural experiences anywhere in Japan. Learn the ways of the Yamabushi, Japan's revered mountain priests, in the serene Dewa mountains, or don a kimono and explore ancient villages with thatched dwellings. Lovers of history will be blown away by the UNESCO World Heritage Chuson-ji Temple complex, which features stunning 12th century structures and over 3,000 items deemed National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Activity
Discover Tohoku, including ski slopes and spectacular sights
With its towering mountains and consistent annual snowfall, Tohoku is a magnet for skiers. Zao Onsen is the region's most popular and largest ski resort and home to some of its most impressive runs. Yet, you don't have to be a ski enthusiast to enjoy activities in Tohoku. Below the slopes, take in incredible views from JR Tadami Line, including brilliant foliage in fall and dream-like snowy landscapes in winter. For another touch of magic, visit Sado Island and jump onboard a classic tarai-bune, or washtub boat, to traverse the sea on a unique boating adventure.
Recommended Itineraries
in Tohoku
Tohoku in the News
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Japan on and off the trail
National Geographic
Visitors to Japan have likely heard about the cherry blossoms, hot springs, and Mount Fuji—maybe even the snowy slopes of Niseko and sun-kissed islands of Okinawa—yet much of Japan's great outdoors remains unknown. Take the relatively under-visited regions of Shikoku and Tohoku, one a short flight west of Tokyo, the other an easy train trip north, which reward travelers who veer off the beaten path with scenic coastal trails, hikes to sacred peaks, and a host of other experiences in nature.
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Visit Japan for an Aquatic Getaway Unlike Any Other
Travel + Leisure
Japan is a nation of islands of all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that much of the country’s culture can be found along its stunning, nature-rich coasts. From island escapes and beautiful beaches to natural hot springs and underground waterfalls, here are some of Japan’s best sites for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
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A year of adventure in Japan’s Tohoku region
BBC
North of Tokyo, the Tohoku region unfolds across seven prefectures that offer a world of scenic beauty and cultural exploration. From the dynamic Nebuta festival of Aomori Prefecture to Fukushima Prefecture’s stunning Azuma Mountain Range – not to mention an array of attractions in Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Niigata and Yamagata prefectures – there’s a reason to visit Tohoku at any time of year.
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Discover Japan: Due North and Into the Wild
CNN
The winding footpath of the over 1,000-kilometer-long (620 miles) Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches across most of Japan’s northeastern coastline, from Aomori’s Hachinohe City in northern Tohoku, to Soma City in Fukushima to the south.
Product Introduction
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Premium Experience in Japan Tohoku
Make the most of your trip with unique premium experiences in Tohoku.
Tohoku
Tohoku is wild, rugged and filled with adventure. In winter, its slopes are entrenched by snow, providing thrill-seeking skiers with world-renowned runs. Yet, spring and summer transform the landscape into a tranquil wonderland punctuated by transparent streams and calm, island-dotted seas.
Hokkaido
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